We have published three versions of this map, showing how the area changed across the years.

These detailed map are double-sided for maximum coverage. The main map covers most of Southsea with parts of Portsmouth. Coverage extends from Kings Terrace and Landport Terrace eastward to Highland Road Cemetery, and from Abingdon Road southward to Clarence Parade.

Tony Painter begins his introduction to the Southsea 1931 map with these words: "Southsea is a relatively recent extension of Portsmouth and began when the enlargement of the dockyard in the 19th
century created a need for more housing. Before this period Portsmouth was constrained within the town walls and the area which later became Southsea was an inhospitable marshland, a wild and dangerous
area, with scattered farms and isolated coastal fortifications". These maps show its development as a fashionable town, and eventually seaside resort, in its own right, with fine houses, a theatre, its own short-lived branch line,
tramways and South Parade Pier. Our maps of Southsea are double-sided to give as full coverage as possible. Note that the 1931 version includes more details of the fortifications than the other editions.

A selection of photos taken during the research for this map. Click on the thumbnails for larger images:

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Here is a small extract from the Southsea 1931 map:

Each map includes a specially written essay about the area. Here is a short extract from Tony Painter's introduction to the Southsea 1931 map:

"The fort defences were reviewed in 1852 and a scathing report suggested that a single broadside from an enemy ship would “probably finish the defences of Southsea Castle for ever”. A Royal Commission in 1859 recommended the strengthening of coastal defences against possible land and sea attacks and the protection of Portsmouth by a ring of forts against the might of the French navy. Southsea Castle was to be one of these, supported by Lumps Fort, Eastney Batteries and Fort Cumberland protecting the southern approaches, batteries at King’s Bastion and the Point guarding the harbour and Forts Blockhouse and Monckton to the west. Other forts were built offshore and around the perimeter of Portsmouth – these would later become known as the ‘Palmerston follies’. The review of 1852 ordered the extension and rearming of Southsea Castle and by 1868 the west and east batteries had been added, each with 30 guns, and a fearsome 13.3 inch, 22 ton cannon known as Big Will."

Maps in the Godfrey Edition are taken from the 25 inch to the mile map and reduced to about 15 inches to the mile.
For a full list of maps for England, return to the England page.
Alan Godfrey Maps, Prospect Business Park, Leadgate, Consett, Co Durham, DH8 7PW / sales@alangodfreymaps.co.uk / 6 November 2018